African-literature Quote by Diriye Osman
““i have been told many times by family, friends, colleagues and strangers that I, a black African Muslim lesbian, am not included in this vision; that my dreams are a reflection of my upbringing in a decadent, amoral Western society that has corrupted who I really am. But who am I, really? Am I allowed to speak for myself or must my desires form the battleground for causes I do not care about? My answer to that is simple: ‘no one allows anyone anything.’ By rejecting that notion you discover that only you can give yourself permission on how to lead your life, naysayers be damned. In the end something gives way. The earth doesn’t move but something shifts. That shift is change and change is the layman’s lingo for that elusive state that lovers, dreamers, prophets and politicians call ‘freedom’.””
About This Quote
The speaker asserts personal agency over identity and freedom, rejecting external permission and emphasizing self‑granting of permission.
In simple terms: You must give yourself permission to live freely.
Key Takeaway
Take ownership of your identity and choices.
Themes
identity
freedom
self‑determination
Mood
empowering
reflective
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- personal development
- activism
- creative expression
Key Concepts
agency
social expectations
intersectionality
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you define your own identity?
- What steps help you claim personal freedom?
A Different Perspective
External validation can still be powerful.
![“[THE DAILY BREATH] You were born with all the power to create and change your life at will. The way to change your destiny lies hidden in the Law of Seeing: "You see around you that which you feel within you." (read it again) If hatred or judgement find their home in your heart, you will perceive…” quote by Dragos Bratasanu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/688/dragos-bratasanu-13221_change_the-daily-breath-you-were-born-with-all_1691164.jpg)
